South Carolina Contempt of Court is the violation of a court's authority, rules, or orders. This type of contempt can be either civil or criminal. Civil Contempt of Court occurs when a person willfully violates a court's order, or fails to comply with its orders. Examples of civil contempt include failure to pay court-ordered child support, failure to appear in court, or failure to comply with a court-ordered injunction. Criminal Contempt of Court is an act that is intended to obstruct the administration of justice, and it can be punishable by fine or imprisonment. Examples of criminal contempt include resisting or disobeying a court order, assaulting a court officer, or disrupting a court proceeding. Both civil and criminal contempt of court are considered serious offenses and those found guilty of them may face severe penalties.